Journal of Parasitic Diseases最新文献

Relative association of haemato-biochemical findings with oxidative stress markers was evaluated between natural patent and latent infection of Theileria equi in horses to divulge the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of illness due to non-availablity in literature. Blood samples were collected from 429 equines of 16 districts of the Punjab and samples positive by conventional microscopy (patent Group I; olln = 13), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (latent group II; n = 38) and healthy control (group III, n = 64) were compared for haematological-biochemical index and stress parameters. Significant anaemia in both group I and group II, and considerable neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia in group I in comparison to group II and group III was observed. Significant elevation in creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and glucose while reduction in iron was noticed in both group I and group II. More level of lipid peroxides in patent group I followed by latent group II indicated more lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and oxidative stress in declining order when compared with Group III. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GST) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were lowered in Group I. An inverse association of RBC count with lipid peroxidation (PLO) and GSH and a direct relationship with catalase, SOD and FRAP was revealed. Findings indicated that oxidative damage plays an imperative function in pathogenesis of anaemia in horses due to T. equi infection and can be utilized as significant marker for latent and patent infection after well thought-out correlation with other haemato-biochemical findings.

Cryptosporidiosis is an enteric infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. The severity of the disease depends mainly on the immune status of the host. The infection is self-limited in immunocompetent individuals but in immunocompromised patients, it can be severe and threatening. To provide new insights into a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the infection and the impact of immune modulation on the course of the disease, we used 4 groups of Swiss-Albino mice; dexamethasone (DEX) group, the diabetic group, the DEX-infected group, and the diabetic-infected group. The blood glucose levels, oocyst shedding, mortality rates, and ultrastructural changes among study groups were observed and documented. The diabetic groups showed hyperglycemia while the DEX-infected group showed significantly higher oocyst shedding rates compared to the diabetic-infected group (P > 0.005). At the end of the experiment, the DEX groups showed higher mortality rates. Regarding the ultrastructural ileal crypt changes recorded in all groups, the DEX-infected group showed the severest changes with significantly lower numbers of Paneth cells, depletion of Paneth cell granules, and increased number of apoptotic crypt bodies significantly (P > 0.005) compared to the diabetic-infected group. On the contrary, the diabetic-infected group showed a significant expansion of Paneth cells with an increased number of granules and a significantly decreased number of apoptotic crypt bodies (P > 0.005). However, both models failed to control the infection properly highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of suspected immunocompromised cases.

This paper presents a case of a 43-year-old man with Down syndrome misdiagnosed with psoriasis, later diagnosed with CS. Clinical manifestations included pruritus, hyperkeratotic plaques, and yellow crusts on the scalp, hands, and feet. Laboratory findings revealed eosinophilia and confirmed scabies through mite identification. Treatment with oral ivermectin and permethrin cream led to complete lesion clearance in two weeks. Crusted scabies is highly contagious and often misdiagnosed, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and transmission.

Fifteen specimens of the devil firefish, Pterois miles (Bennett) (Perciformes: Scorpaenidae), were collected from the Red Sea off Safaga, Egypt, between November 2022 and April 2024, and examined for parasitic infections. Parasitological analyses included light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, alongside partial sequencing of the 28 S rDNA gene for molecular characterization. A single digenean species was found in the intestine of 12 out of 15 (80%) P. miles specimens, identified as Cainocreadium pteroisi (Nagaty & Abdel Aal, 1962) Durio & Manter 1968 (Opecoelidae: Hamacreadiinae). Light microscopy revealed an elongated, fusiform body with key features such as a spherical oral sucker, larger ventral sucker, oblique testes, lobed ovary, and lateral vitellarium. SEM provided further details, showing intricate muscle structures in the ventral sucker. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the parasite within the genus Cainocreadium. This study reports a southward range extension of C. pteroisi within the Red Sea and provides clarification and confirmation of its host as P. miles, which was likely misidentified as P. volitans in the original description. Furthermore, it provides new insights through SEM imaging and DNA sequence data for the species.

Bovine theileriosis is a common tick-borne disease leading to reduced productivity, significant mortality and huge economic loss. The present study was conducted at Regional Clinical Laboratory, District Veterinary Centre, Kannur, Kerala, India to evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters in bovine theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis. The whole blood and serum samples of 75 cows collected from different parts of Kannur district, Kerala India, tested positive for T. orientalis by light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction were subjected to a battery of haemato-biochemical tests such as complete blood count, serum ionized calcium (iCa), magnesium (Mg), inorganic phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), total protein (TP), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pattern of variation in each parameter was evaluated retrospectively by grouping the animals based on the chronicity of infection into chronic and acute cases, and re-grouping them based on parasitemia rates. The variation of each hemato-biochemical parameter between groups in both the distribution patterns were compared and studied. Variations in haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red cell distribution width revealed a weak correlation with parasitemia rates. However, the between-group variations in biochemical parameters like GGT, TP, albumin, zinc, copper and TIBC were more consistent in the distribution based on chronicity of infection pointing towards the existence of hepatic impairment and trace mineral imbalance specifically in cows persistently infected with theileriosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects more than a third of the world's population. The drugs used today to treat toxoplasmosis cause severe side effects in many people and have poor success in treating chronic infections. In the current study, oil extracted from tea leaf was loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and its anti-Toxoplasma properties were analyzed. The double emulsification technique was employed to provide SLNs and their physical characteristics were assessed using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cell toxicity and anti-intracellular Toxoplasma activity were investigated using a MTT assay. The anti-Toxoplasma activity of Tea tree oil (TTO)-SLNs was evaluated through trypan-blue staining. The TTO-SLNs were round with a mean particle size of 85.23 nm and clear and stable margins. An association was observed between the cell toxicity of TTO-SLNs with the concentration of the component (P-value = 0.009). The cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) against Toxoplasma was > 10 mg/mL, while it was concentration-dependent (P-value < 0.0001). the viability of T. gondii- infected Vero cells were higher in lower concentrations of TTO-SLNs (P-value = 0.0174), while at least 80% of T. gondii- infected Vero cells remaining alive at concentrations greater than >1 mg/mL. Overall, our findings demonstrated high anti-T. gondii properties of TTO-SLNs, suggesting a promising role of SLNs in carrying TTO. In addition, our findings showed prolonged release of the TTO from SLNs capsulation of the can lead to, suggesting the potential of TTO-SLNs for applications in the chronic phase (cyst stages), which should be further investigated in animal models.

Background: The high prevalence rate of malaria due to the proliferation of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum could mitigate the realization of sustainable development goals in Nigeria, necessitating research on the discovery of novel chemotherapies against resistant strains of the parasite. However, Solanum anomalum with ethnopharmacological claims could foster this breakthrough, prompting an investigation on the antiplasmodial and hepatoprotective activities of the plant's fruit, semi-purification and characterization of its constituents, as well as in silico studies on its compounds.

Methods: Standard protocols were employed for the semi-purification and characterization; evaluation of antiplasmodial and hepatoprotective assays; retrieval of target proteins from PDB, ADMET, and docking studies. Column and thin layer chromatography and GC-MS aided the semi-purification and characterization of compounds; PKCSM and ADMET Lab 2 enhanced the evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties; AutoDock Vina and PyRx for docking analysis; and Biovia Discovery Studio and PyMol software for the visualization of interactions.

Results: The n-hexane extract (20 g) (with the best antiplasmodial therapeutic index) undergone chromatographic analyses and yielded bulked column fractions (A-H); fraction A (1459 mg) was further semi-purified to column sub-fractions A3 (18 mg), A4 (27 mg), and A9 (14 mg); their GC-MS analyses revealed 5-cyano-3-methyoxymethylene cholestane; morphinan-6,10-diol; phthalic acid; protocatechic acid, etc. In silico studies revealed the above lead compounds with better binding affinities to chloroquine, non-inhibition of mono-oxygenases, ease of excretion, non-carcinogenicity, as well as non-violation of Lipinski's criteria. Moreover, the mice's treatment caused increases in SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH but decreased in MDA, ALT, AST, and ALP, total and conjugated bilirubin levels, with little pathological changes in the liver's histological section that contrasted the evidence in the negative control group.

Conclusion: The lead compounds were responsible for Solanum anomalum fruit's antiplasmodial, antioxidative stress, and hepatoprotective activities through the inhibition of DHFR, PfEMP-1, and plasmepsin X activities.

This study aimed to collect data on the most common parasites of the family equidae which is Gasterophilus spp. During this study we focused on the prevalence rate in the world; the distribution of the six known species: life cycle and the pathogenesis of the larvae inside the hosts were investigated around the world. Molecular as well as serological diagnoses were analyzed. Possible treatment strategies which were fully studied; are also, included. Gasterophilus intestinalis (G. intestinalis) and G. nasalis larvae are the main present larvae in equine; other species, such as G. haemorrhoidalis, G. inermis, and G. pecorum may be present. Although the female flies' egg-laying behavior can annoy horses and cause them to behave abnormally to escape the flies, clinical indications in equine are obtained from the presence and lesions generated by the larvae in the host's digestive tract. Oral, gingival, or lingual irritation, inflammation, or necrosis that can cause feeding difficulties, dysphagia, and, as a result, weight loss and impaired physical condition (particularly in young animals), as well as digestive disorders brought on by L2 and L3 larvae attached to the stomach or intestinal wall (inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, ulcers, gastric rupture, intramural gastric suppuration, gastroduodenal perforation and gastroeophageal reflux, peritonitis, and death).

The host immune response to malaria is a complex interplay between the parasite, Plasmodium, and the human immune system. Upon infection, various components of the immune system, including innate and adaptive responses, are mobilized to combat the parasite. Innate immunity provides the initial defense, with cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells recognizing and responding to the parasite. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines are released to coordinate the immune response. The adaptive immune response, primarily involving T and B lymphocytes, plays a crucial role in controlling and eliminating the parasite. T cells recognize and destroy infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies that target specific antigens on the parasite's surface. These antibodies can neutralize the parasite, block its invasion of host cells, and facilitate its clearance by phagocytes. However, the development of protective immunity against malaria is complex and influenced by various factors, including parasite diversity, host genetics, and prior exposure to the parasite. While some individuals develop partial immunity over time, others remain susceptible to severe disease. Understanding the intricacies of the host immune response to malaria is essential for the development of effective vaccines and therapies to combat this global health burden.

Parasites have long been a source of concern in medicine, with helminths thought to be responsible for a wide range of disorders in humans and animals. In traditional systems of medicine, a great range of medicinal plants are reported to have anthelmintic properties and are used by ethnic groups all over the world. Even with the availability of several synthetic medications in the market, a revival of herbal and natural drug usage is clearly considered in this day. Nearly 80% of the world's population, mostly in urban areas, use traditional medicine. As a result, the necessity to explore plants for therapy has grown in importance. Various peer-reviewed publications and reputable search engines were thoroughly reviewed in order to collect information about phytochemical constituents, anthelmintic activity and other activities of some plants in the fabaceae family. Most of the plants in the Fabaceae family possess anthelmintic activity and this review provides a comprehensive list of a few medicinal plants from this family. Among the phytoconstituents present in these plants, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds etc. have been attributed to have anthelmintic activities. The present review consolidates the anthelmintic activities shown by different plants from the fabaceae family. This work will be of great importance to the researchers who work on isolation of various phytochemicals from the herbs such that the same can be utilized as a formulation.